Will be carrying a Taurus Tracker 357 (4") as a companion to my 270 for the upcoming deer season. If the right situation were to present itself, I was considering dispatching the critter with the .357. I worked up some loads with 158 grain Gold Dots and 158 grain XTP over 17.1 grains of Lilgun. I got slightly better groups with the Gold Dots, 1 1/8" at 25 yards as opposed to 1 3/4" groups with the XTP bullets. Both groups are acceptable for the close distance I would be making the shot from. After retrieving the bullets the Gold Dot expanded slightly better than the XTP. I've used XTPs in the past from a 454 on a whitetail and had good results. However, the 357 is a different ball game. Has anyone had any experience with either of these two bullets on deer sized game? Any preferences? I would go with a heavier bullet or perhaps a hardcast, however due to the short cylinder in my Tracker I don't have a lot of options. The 158 grain loads don't leave much room in the cylinder. I feel in this case the 158 grain bullets would get the job done in the right scenario. I could always go back to the 454 or even a 45 colt hardcast out of my Ruger. But I've been there and wanted to expand my horizons a bit. Not to mention, the Taurus tracker is a delight to carry as opposed to the bigger bores. Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated.

I have used the XTPHP 158gn in my .357 on deer with no problems good expansion and pass through. I have no expierience with the gold dots.

I seriously doubt it would make any difference. Both are excellent bullets, both hold together and penetrate well, and both are accurate. Pick one and stick with it.

PJ

The Gold Dot is giving you noticeably better accuracy and slightly better expansion. Where's the tough part?

Not a tough decision I guess. Just wanted other opinons/experiences. Thanks for the responses.

For what you are proposing either, or a .38 wadcutter will work equally well as it will be virtually a contact shot to the head. A .22 will work too, so energy isn't an issue.

For what you are proposing either, or a .38 wadcutter will work equally well as it will be virtually a contact shot to the head. A .22 will work too, so energy isn't an issue.

I agree, unless you'll be taking the deer at close range using your pistol only. The I would go with the Gold Dot since it gave your particular load and revolver better performance.

At point blank range on a wounded animal a hollow point of any kind is likely to ruin a lot of meat, so a .38 wadcutter to the head would work and be cheaper.

One thought, pick up a Marlin 1894 in .357 and save the shot until you are up close and personal, around 100 yards. A rifle barrel really breathes more power into pistol rounds. Probably more than you asked for but I figure it can't hurt.